ANASTASIA: THE MUSICAL
Book by Terrence McNally, Music by Stephen Flaherty,
&
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.
Directed by
Damian Grzeskowiak
Musical Direction by
Holly Blueye
SUMMER 2027
Smith Opera House
82 Seneca Street, Geneva NY
From the twilight of the Russian Empire to the glamour of 1920s Paris, Anastasia is the sweeping Broadway musical that tells the epic story of a young woman’s journey to discover the mystery of her past and define her own future. Orphaned and alone, Anya sets out to unlock the secrets of her identity, pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer and aided by a charming conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. As she follows the whispers of her past, Anya must decide whether she’s ready to claim the destiny that might be hers. Filled with soaring ballads and unforgettable characters, Anastasia is a breathtaking adventure about home, love, and the courage to find where you truly belong.
Auditions in Early May 2027
More Information Coming Soon
Meet The Team
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This team has been working together since 2002, building a long‑standing creative partnership rooted in trust, craft, and a shared love of storytelling. Over the years, they have collaborated on award‑winning productions including Jesus Christ Superstar, Beauty and the Beast, Les Misérables, Carousel, The Sound of Music, Into the Woods, Little Shop of Horrors, James and the Giant Peach, and the regional high school premieres of The Phantom of the Opera and Between the Lines.
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Damian is a retired English and Theatre teacher from Marcus Whitman High School, where he spent over twenty years directing and designing more than sixty‑five productions. Before returning to the Finger Lakes, he toured nationally with Into the Woods and worked in New York City as both an actor and teacher, with credits including Saturday Night Live, Stonewall, and various stage and industrial projects. A TANYS Award–winning actor, his local performances include Zorba, Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical, A Chorus Line, Oliver!, The Prom, and The Grey Zone.
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Holly brings more than three decades of experience in music education, having earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Music Education from the Ithaca College School of Music. She retired in July 2024 after thirty‑six years of teaching, including twenty‑four years at Marcus Whitman Middle and High School. An active vocal and piano NYSSMA adjudicator, she frequently serves as an accompanist for area schools and performs with the Seneca Singers adult choir under the direction of Dr. Susan Avery. Holly has conducted numerous pit orchestras and has music‑directed productions in both public schools and the wider community.
Together, Holly and Damian are excited to reunite once again and continue bringing high‑quality theatre to the Finger Lakes region.
